A Diesel Submarine Stoker's Lament

One time when at 'harbour stations'
The donk shop began its routine
The turning gear moving the engines
Making sure they were ready for sea.

When diesels ruled the sea

When given the order 'start engines'
The diesels began their duet
With 'full ahead both' the next order.
A course for the ocean was set.

When diesels ruled the sea

No matter the mood of the ocean
The diesels got on with their task
With the powerful thud of their rhythm
What more could a diesel man ask.

When diesels ruled the sea

The comforting throb of the engines
Like a drum and a march with no end
Tirelessly working for twenty four seven
On the road with no turning or bend.

When diesels ruled the sea

When cruising the depths with the dolphins
Down where the mermaids sing
Both engines now still and resting
In respect to Old Neptune the King.

When diesels ruled the sea

I still miss my life in the Andrew
Though I finished my twelve long ago
And often said 'roll on my dozen'
What a great life it was, now I know.

When diesels ruled the sea

And when the time comes to cross the bar
At the Pearlies or portals of Hell
I'll shout out aloud, at the top of my voice
I'M A SUBMARINE STOKER, CAN'T YOU TELL.

When diesels ruled the sea

So give me two donks for eternity
I promise to tend them well
A tot of rum at that time of the day
And a bucket of diesel to smell.

When diesels ruled the sea

And when I embark on eternal patrol
Along with my ship-mates of old
I'll feel back at home where I've wanted to be
A submariner, back in the fold.

When diesels ruled the sea

Let every man who stood in the donk-shop
Take heed of the words up above
And join me back there with the diesels
With the sound and the smell we all love.

When diesels ruled the sea

So to the end of the story
When the diesel electric was king
Good luck to the nukes and their missiles
But it's in praise of the diesel I'll sing.

When diesels ruled the sea

Finished with main motors and steering,
fall out harbour stations

Author: Anon

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Submarine A3 was sunk as a result of a collision with HMS Hazard on 2nd Feb 1912 during trials in the Solent. All members of the crew were lost. The Submarine was raised and the bodies of the crew recovered. They were buried, later, in the Haslar Royal Naval Cemetery.

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